Entactogen

Entactogens, also known as empathogens or connectogens, are a class of psychoactive drugs that induce experiences of emotional communion, oneness, connectedness, emotional openness—that is, empathy—as particularly observed and reported for experiences with MDMA (ecstasy). This class of drug is distinguished from the classes of hallucinogens or psychedelics and stimulants, although entactogens, for instance MDMA, can also have these properties. Entactogens are used both as recreational drugs and are being investigated for medical use in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, for instance MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Notable members of this class include the methylenedioxyphenethylamines (MDxx) MDMA, MDA, MDEA, MDOH, MBDB, and methylone, the benzofurans 5-APB, 5-MAPB, 6-APB, and 6-MAPB, the cathinone mephedrone, the 2-aminoindane MDAI, and the α-alkyltryptamine αET, among others. Most entactogens are amphetamines, although some, such as αET, are tryptamines. When referring to MDMA and its counterparts, the term MDxx is often used (with the exception of certain non-entactogen drugs like MDPV).

Entactogens act as serotonin releasing agents (SRAs) as their key action. However, entactogens also frequently have additional actions, such as induction of dopamine and norepinephrine and serotonin 5-HT2 receptor agonism, which contributes to their effects as well. It is thought that dopamine and norepinephrine release provide additional stimulant, euphoriant, and cardiovascular or sympathomimetic effects, serotonin 5-HT2A receptor agonism produces psychedelic effects of variable intensity, and both dopamine release and serotonin 5-HT2 receptor agonism may enhance the entactogenic effects and be critically involved in allowing for the qualitative "magic" of these drugs. Entactogens that simultaneously induce serotonin and dopamine release, for instance MDMA, may produce serotonergic neurotoxicity with associated cognitive and memory deficits as well as psychiatric changes.